Cheesy Broccoli Delight Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil To make broccoli cheese stuffed chicken, gather your ingredients first. Start with the chicken breasts. They should be boneless and skinless for easy stuffing. Next, use fresh broccoli florets. Steaming them makes them tender and easy to chop. The cheese is key. I love using shredded cheddar for its flavor. Cream cheese adds creaminess to the filling, making it rich and delicious. Don’t forget your seasonings. A touch of garlic powder and onion powder gives great depth. Salt and pepper are must-haves to taste. For the crispy outer layer, grab some breadcrumbs. Lastly, you will need olive oil for frying. These ingredients come together to form a dish that is both tasty and satisfying. Each bite bursts with cheesy goodness and healthy greens. {{ingredient_image_1}} Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to cooking the chicken evenly. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix them well until they blend together. This filling gives the chicken a creamy and cheesy taste. Take each chicken breast and carefully slice it to make a pocket. Make sure not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket with the broccoli and cheese mixture. You can use toothpicks to close them if needed. Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each one in breadcrumbs. This will give the chicken a nice, crispy coating. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken into a baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Remove any toothpicks and slice the chicken to serve. Enjoy your delicious broccoli cheese stuffed chicken! To make your stuffed chicken shine, start with even cooking. Use a meat mallet to pound each chicken breast to an even thickness. This step helps the chicken cook evenly. It also allows the flavors to mix well. When you create the pockets, be careful not to cut all the way through. A solid pocket keeps the filling inside. Searing the chicken is key to a tasty crust. Heat olive oil in a skillet until hot. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in moisture and flavor. After searing, bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F inside. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. A pretty plate makes your meal more inviting. Serve your broccoli cheese stuffed chicken on a bed of steamed rice or fresh salad greens. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color. This touch turns your dish into a feast for the eyes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure it's thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken breasts are juicy and tender, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Breadcrumb Coating: For an extra crunch, consider mixing panko breadcrumbs with the regular breadcrumbs. This will give your dish a delightful texture. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for your stuffed chicken. Instead of cheddar, try mozzarella or pepper jack. Cream cheese can be replaced with ricotta or goat cheese. These options add new flavors and textures. Each cheese brings something unique to your dish. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Don’t feel limited to just broccoli. You can add spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to your filling. Each vegetable adds color and taste. Just make sure to chop them small and steam them if needed. Mixing in more veggies makes your meal healthier and more exciting. For a gluten-free version, skip regular breadcrumbs. Use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead. This keeps the dish crispy without gluten. You can also try ground oats or cornmeal. Each alternative gives a different crunch and flavor. Enjoy your meal without worrying about gluten! After you enjoy your broccoli cheese stuffed chicken, store any leftovers. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Make sure to store it in the fridge. This helps prevent bacteria from growing. Avoid leaving the chicken out for too long. Keeping it cold is key to safe eating. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, there are a few ways to reheat them. The oven is great for keeping that crispy outside. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quicker meals. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. Make sure it's hot all the way through. If you want to save your stuffed chicken for later, freezing is a good option. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place it in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. This way, you know how long it has been in the freezer. It can last up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is fully cooked. This ensures it is safe to eat and juicy. Undercooked chicken can cause foodborne illness, so always check the temperature. Yes, you can prepare broccoli cheese stuffed chicken ahead. You can mix the filling and stuff the chicken earlier in the day. Cover the chicken and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This saves time and makes cooking easier. Just remember to bake it within 24 hours for the best taste. Many sides pair nicely with this dish. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Fresh salad greens - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Garlic bread These sides complement the rich flavors of the chicken. They also add color and texture to your meal. Enjoy exploring these pairings to create a complete dinner! This blog post covered how to make delicious stuffed chicken with easy steps. You learned about the ingredients, instructions, and helpful tips. We explored tasty variations and how to store your leftovers. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, and this dish fits the bill. Try experimenting with different cheeses and veggies to make it yours. Successful cooking starts with practice and creativity, so enjoy the process and share your results!$

Cheesy Broccoli Delight Chicken

A delicious stuffed chicken breast filled with broccoli and cheese, baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 2 cream cheese, softened
1 4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 4 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the steamed and chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
Carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks if needed.
Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated for a crispy exterior.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a bed of steamed rice or fresh salad greens, garnished with additional shredded cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Keyword baked, broccoli, cheese, chicken